June 10, 2013; Ardmore, PA, USA; Ernie Els addresses the media during a press conference during the practice round of the 113th U.S. Open golf tournament at Merion Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Just like Webb Simpson at the 2012 US Open, Ernie Els was the recipient of a “Gift Wrapped” major championship at Royal Lytham St Annes last July when Masters Champ Adam Scott went into a final round meltdown. The “Big Easy” is prepping for the 2013 US Open, and looking for his third win in our National Championship. (more…)

June 10, 2013; Ardmore, PA, USA; Ernie Els addresses the media during a press conference during the practice round of the 113th U.S. Open golf tournament at Merion Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

2012 British Open champion, Ernie Els spoke to the media at the Merion on Monday afternoon and was asked about the health of former South African President, Nelson Mandela as well as about the 43 year old’s relationship with him.

“We’re obviously very concerned about President Mandela. He’s 94 years old now,” Els said. “He’s almost on to his 95th birthday, and he’s been quite ill for a while now. So we’re just hoping for the best. I haven’t seen him for quite a few years now. I haven’t seen him for probably seven or eight years now. But we’ve had always a great relationship.”

“When I won a lot of tournaments in the 90′s and early part of the 2000′s we spoke a lot on the telephone. He always felt proud of what the sporting athletes out of South Africa did for the country, you know, winning worldwide events. He always felt very proud of that. Yeah, through that instance we had a really nice relationship.

“We’re hoping for the best. Whatever outcome that might be. I just want him to be well.”